Green LA’s What to Expect in 2011

The Green LA Coalition has recently sent out an extremely informative “Special Memorandum” laying out “What to Expect in 2011” on the environmental front for the Los Angeles region. The memo, compiled by Jonathan Parfrey (Director, Green LA Institute), is extremely comprehensive, and should be a great resource to anyone in the environmental policy sector looking to envision what’s to come. The memo can be viewed in full by clicking here: Green LA Special Memorandum.

The memo covers the following subjects:

Climate action in Southern California

Climate action statewide

Transportation

Clean Air

Port of LA and Long Beach

Renewable energy and energy efficiency

Electric vehicles

Rubbish (Waste)

Green jobs

Water

Municipal elections

Los Angeles River projects are moving ahead

Open space and parks

Ocean protection

Global environmental meetings

Climate trends, etc…

Here is an example of one of the subjects discussed in detail:

Transportation(Note: Online version includes multiple hyperlinks not included below)

The Wilshire Bus Only Lane is swiftly (and sadly) losing its potency as a viable transportation option.

In 2011 preliminary engineering work begins on the Westside Subway Extension, and the Regional Connector. Both projects could qualify for federal funds in next year’s budget.

A much improved City of Los Angeles Bicycle Plan will be adopted by city council in early 2011.

Construction will continue on High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) express lanes on I-10 and I-110 freeways and are scheduled to come online in 2012.

Orange Line extension construction continues.

Construction continues on Expo Line, Phase One, downtown to Culver City. Service may begin in 2012.

Metro is expected to award a design-build contract for Expo Line, Phase Two, Culver City to Santa Monica, in Spring 2011.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2011 on the Gold Line Extension, Sierra Madre to Azusa, with service beginning as soon as December 2014.

Although LA Bureau of Engineering’s Green Streets standard plans were developed last year — first in the nation — seven new standards will be promulgated this year, including a new tree well design by February.